Our world today justifies bitterness. The world tells us that we are validated for our bitter feelings. People today glorify revenge and stories about revenge. The truth is, bitterness is not a good friend to us. While bitterness may feel good in the moment, it leaves us angry and jaded, unable to let go of the hurts that we have experienced. It leaves us mentally and physically exhausted, even sick. When we realize how negatively bitterness has impacted us, we can start to move forward, choosing peace and reconciliation instead of the bitterness we have been feeling.
The writer of Hebrews 12 warns against bitterness in Hebrews 12. First, he gave this command in this passage of Scripture: “Work at living in peace with everyone” (verse 14). Several things stand out about this command. First, keeping peace requires work. We have to work hard at making peace instead of bitterness. Forgiveness and letting go of bitterness are not easy, but that does not mean they are not worth working toward. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Will we be committed to the hard work of 'living in peace?’” The second thing that stands out in this short verse is the word “everyone.” This word is all-inclusive. We are to make peace with every single person we interact with. There is no exception, including the person with whom you currently have conflict with. Next, the writer of Hebrews continued, “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many” (verse 15). Pay attention to how the writer of Hebrews describes bitterness. He calls it a “poisonous root.” To be clear, a poisonous root will choke out and destroy anything in its wake. That is exactly what bitterness does. It brings us trouble and corruption. It even corrupts us. Bitterness has no positive impact. It only brings destruction.
There is a better way of living than by holding on to bitterness, and that is seeking peace. Instead of bitterness, we should seek peace with everyone in our lives, forgiving and showing mercy rather than holding grudges. Bringing peace brings light and hope rather than the destruction bitterness brings. Will you commit to letting go of bitterness, realizing it will only bring destruction, and to pursuing peace instead?
Has bitterness overtaken you, causing you to hold on to resentment, unforgiveness, and disappointment? Take a moment to acknowledge any bitterness before God, recognizing specifically how it has negatively impacted you. Then, ask Him to help you to let go of your bitterness and to choose peace instead.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 16 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. 17 You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.
18 You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. 19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 20 They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”
22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 23 You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.
25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! 26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” 27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.
